Dutch Medicine Man

24/09/2025

The paradox of L. williamsii
The northern and southern forms of Lophophora williamsii are the same species but can’t interbreed. Why?

A recent comment from a group member raised a crucial question: if the northern and southern forms of Lophophora williamsii can’t interbreed, how can they be considered the same species?

This question gets to the heart of a fundamental concept in biology, providing a perfect opportunity to dive deeper into how species evolve and how we define them.

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The Classic Definition of a Species
The concept being referred to is the Biological Species Concept, which was formulated by the evolutionary biologist Ernst Mayr. By this definition, two organisms are the same species if they’re able to interbreed and produce fertile offspring.

At first glance, the impossibility of hybridization between the two forms of Lophophora williamsii seems to contradict this rule. However, the natural world is far more complex than our simple definitions.

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An Example of Evolution in Action
The northern and southern forms of Lophophora williamsii are a perfect example of allopatric speciation, a process where a new species evolves due to geographic isolation.

For thousands of years, the Lophophora populations in northern and southern Mexico have been separated by vast distances and natural barriers. This isolation allowed each population to evolve independently, accumulating unique genetic differences.

These differences didn’t just show up as visible variations (morphology), but also at the reproductive level. Over time, reproductive barriers emerged that prevent hybridization, even if the two forms were to be found in the same area.

This process of evolutionary divergence is so advanced that even if the ranges of the two populations were to touch today, in a phenomenon known as secondary contact, the reproductive barriers would remain effective, preventing hybridization.

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The Current Status of L. williamsii
Despite their inability to interbreed, the two forms are still classified as the same species, Lophophora williamsii. This is because the evolutionary process separating them isn’t yet complete.

They represent a significant snapshot of speciation in progress, a moment where evolution has already created reproductive isolation, but the differences aren’t yet great enough to justify a complete taxonomic separation.

This example reminds us that scientific definitions are tools to help us understand the natural world, but nature itself is a dynamic, continuous process that doesn’t always fit neatly into our boxes.

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For more details on the genetic, morphological, and distribution differences, you can check out our previous article:
https://www.facebook.com/share/1CMxqe9Bcb/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Text by identification (tag refuse to work)

16/09/2025

Student discovers fungus behind morning glory’s psychedelic punch.

For nearly a century, researchers suspected that the psychedelic effects of certain morning glories were caused by a fungal partner. But the organism itself had never been found – until now.

Corinne Hazel, an environmental microbiology student at West Virginia University, identified it while studying the seeds of “Heavenly Blue” morning glories. Nestled in the seed coat was a microscopic fungus, now confirmed as Periglandula clandestina. Genetic analysis revealed that it produces ergot alkaloids – potent compounds in the same chemical family as L*D.

These alkaloids were first synthesized into L*D in the 1930s by chemist Albert Hofmann, using a different fungus (Claviceps purpurea) that infects rye. Hofmann suspected a similar organism in morning glories, but it was never confirmed – until Hazel’s discovery.

The find offers insight into the ritual use of these plants by Mesoamerican cultures and expands our understanding of plant–fungus symbiosis. Scientists believe the alkaloids serve as a defense against herbivores, while also holding promise for medicine. These compounds are being studied for treating migraines, dementia, and more.

Hazel’s discovery doesn’t just confirm a long-standing hypothesis – it opens new doors in science, medicine, and agriculture.

Read the study:
"A new species of Periglandula symbiotic with the morning glory Ipomoea tricolor." Mycologia, 22 Apr 2025.

12/09/2025

Laboratory research shows dandelion root extract killed more than 90% of colon cancer cells within 48 hours, while leaving healthy cells unharmed. The extract triggered multiple cell-death pathways, even in cancers lacking the tumor-suppressor gene p53. In mice, it also slowed tumor growth without toxicity. Scientists stress that findings are preliminary and human clinical trials are still needed.

11/09/2025

!!!

SCIENCE SHOWS THAT AYAHUASCA VOMITING EXPELS CORTISOL ACCUMULATED BY CHRONIC STRESS, DETOXIFYING THE BODY

In 2018, Dr. Ana C. de Menezes Galvao and her team in Brazil analyzed blood cortisol levels in people with depression after the purge process and found that cortisol levels were regulated and at healthy levels afterward. This hormone is vital for humans and for functioning in life because it helps us escape danger, but when we live in a state of hypervigilance, chronic worry, or rumination over invented dangers and "imaginary lions," we endogenously poison ourselves by secreting excess cortisol, worsening anxiety disorders and depression. Ayahuasca expels excess cortisol and returns the body to homeostasis and the insights necessary to live from a state of inner peace and self-embrace. Thus, it is proven that vomiting, far from being a "side effect," serves as a physical-emotional purge. Furthermore, in ayahuasca, vomiting does not occur randomly but rather as a consequence of insight, of a release of pent-up emotions or expressions. It is not a product of ayahuasca being toxic, as Dr. Jordi Riba demonstrated at the Hospital de Sant Pau in Barcelona.

16/07/2025

🧠💡 Mind‑Blown: Animals Are WAAAAAY More Aware Than We Thought (Yes—even insects!) 🐝🐟🐌

🔥 A groundbreaking statement called The New York Declaration on Animal Consciousness, backed by ~40 leading scientists, says consciousness isn’t limited to furry pets or smart mammals—it extends to bees, fish, reptiles, squids, snails… even insects!

That buzzing bee may feel joy or stress. That sneaky crab or snail? Possibly pain and fear. The experts admit, “we can’t say for sure what it feels like to be a crab or beetle—but we shouldn’t rule it out.”

👇 Here’s the kicker:

📚 New studies show octopuses solving puzzles, crows using tools, elephants grieving—and yes, even bees showing optimism after a sweet surprise, or stress from being shaken.

🧠 The declaration says: if there's even a realistic possibility an animal feels, we must act on it. That means rethinking everything—from factory farming to fishing, experimentation, and even pest control.

Why this matters:

This isn’t fluffy philosophy—it's hard science backed by public major declarations.

Every creature—from octopus to insect—might have a rich inner world.

⚖️ If they can feel, it’s on us to treat them with more empathy and care.

✨ Share this if you think compassion should extend beyond just cute animals. Let’s start a movement—because when we acknowledge that every creature might feel, we’re closer to building a kinder, more conscious world. 🌍❤️